Industry insight


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Pushing press to the forefront


Martin Smith, Conex Bänninger’s business unit director for UK & Ireland, is championing the use of press-fit across a new generation of installers, encouraging seasoned professionals to make the transition over to this clean, efficient, and labour-saving method


T


he HVAC sector continues to evolve and one of the emerging trends over the past decade has been the growth of press-fit at the expense of


brazing and other ‘hot-works’ practices. I have been in the HVAC industry for many


years and along the way have seen significant developments emerge through a combination of factors including technological advancements and changing consumer demand. Another key influence - not just on this sector but across many including the broader building and construction arenas - has been the impact of environmental policies and targets, which affect the choice of materials used for a project and working practices. Today, specifiers want products that will help


reduce the carbon footprint of any new building development or refurb project; and end-users are increasingly asking that the materials used are environmentally friendly. Such an approach has clearly benefitted press-fit in which no ‘hot works’ is required during the jointing process. Brazing, however, raises health and safety


concerns and that is why a ‘hot-works’ permit is required when undertaking this activity. Not only can it take up to three times longer than press-fit, but it requires a ‘fire-watch’ for some time afterwards. The use of ‘hot-works’ on many new building schemes has been reduced because of safety concerns – a stance that is likely to become even more commonplace as the benefits of press-fit become even more widely known. According to the Zurich insurance company, 15% of


all fires in industrial and commercial properties are caused by ‘hot-works.’ It claims that losses incurred due to this had become an increasing concern as incidents across municipal, retail and industrial settings were resulting in significant losses. The hazards associated with brazing is well documented and, as a result, the use of ‘hot- works’ within an office block, for example, has cost implications in terms of higher insurance premiums. Even when all precautions have been taken, an open flame has the potential to ignite any nearby flammable materials. The increased risks associated with using flame has led to Zurich looking to mitigate the impact of this on its business and, as a result, runs bespoke hot works training workshops for customers. For more information go to https://www.zurich.


co.uk/news-and-insight/copy-of-hot-works-a-rising- concern-for-fire-risks Many organisations within the UK seek to preserve our past and an important part of this centres on the upkeep of old buildings. However, a major fear surrounding the maintenance of historic buildings is the prospect of a fire breaking out and doing


20 December 2024


Below: Martin Smith, Conex Bänninger’s business unit director for UK & Ireland


untold damage. One of these public bodies - Historic England - has taken a firm stance on the use of ‘hot-works’ – advocating it should not be carried out within historic buildings unless there is ‘absolutely no alternative.’ This is because a significant number of serious fires have occurred in properties through contractors using blow lamps or naked flames. Traditional brazing is a time-consuming process


involving the carrying of heavy of gas bottles onto site, the preparation of materials, careful handling of an open flame and a cooling period to ensure the joint is secure. Press-fit fittings provide installers with a real


competitive advantage over brazing – providing faster, consistent and reliable connections with minimal disruption. Benefits include safer installation, ease of inspection and maintenance and the ability to work in confined spaces. Whilst some contractors may view the initial cost


of purchasing a press tool as a barrier to making the change, it shouldn’t be. It can take just a few months to achieve payback as a result of major time savings during installation leading to a reduction in labour costs and a faster project turnover. Clearly, if an installer is involved in large-scale installations, the switch to press-fit will result in an even quicker payback on investment. There is also a benefit in terms of the savings that will come from not having to purchase such consumables as a blow lamp, gas, flux and solder. For new installers coming into the HVAC industry,


press-fit provides an ultra-reliable solution and one that can be taught quickly helping them to become productive members of the workforce within a shorter time-frame. Contractors that use press-fit also have a


competitive advantage when bidding for projects. Their ability to provide faster, safer and a more cost- effective way of undertaking work will clearly be seen as advantageous. The ‘peace-of-mind’ that comes with a press fit fitting when it comes to the potential risk of leaks further down the line and costly ongoing maintenance is also alleviated with press fit when compared to brazing. Moving forward, Conex Bänninger will continue to


educate and promote the use of press-fit fittings. As the global manufacturer of high-quality fittings, valves and accessories, we are well-placed to encourage the trade’s move from traditional techniques over to press.


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